Another Year

Another year has passed without our Ezra, bringing the grand total to 6 years. And, our hearts still ache with the loss. Our eyes still long to see his smiling face along with ours in every family photo. Our hands still long to hold him. We can't say for certain what life would be like, because we can never know the depth of his disabilities or the impact they would have had on his life or ours, but we can certainly see a picture of what we wished it looked like. And, really, all that means is that he's be here with us.

We did another ash scatter today. We went over to Montaña de Oro and scattered them at Spooner's Cove. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. And the sights were stunning--our little piece of Heaven here on the Central Coast.

I wrote a poem for Ez. You can read that HERE. 

It's hard to say goodbye to him over and over. But, we choose to do it because we want to continue to honor him here on earth. He's precious to us. And choosing not to remember would be even more painful than celebrating our journey with him.

Happy Eternity Day, Ezra James. We miss you. ♥

First Day of School!

So, it's finally here! We're back in school! I started on Monday and the kids went back today. This was the first year that I wasn't home to take them to school or to pick them up. Luckily, Peter was off, but it was still hard for me. For the first time ever, I cried on the first day of school. I hated missing it. But, I knew I'd have to sacrifice family stuff to be a nursing student, so I'm just paying my dues. The fact that I wasn't there didn't diminish the kids' excitement though.

Alayna was disappointed not to get a certain teacher, but found out her teacher is just as great. Several of her classmates from last year are in this year's class, so she's a happy camper. She's very excited to be in the 4th grade.

And, then there's the middle schooler. Jeremiah was pretty nonchalant about today. We were more nervous for him than he was. He had a great day. He had no problems going from class to class. Many of his 6th grade classmates are in his classes. He's in advanced math with some 8th graders (there are 7th and 8th graders in the class). He's pretty pleased with himself for placing in the advanced math class. He also got the elective he wanted (Drama) and is super excited to work on that craft.

It's great to be back! Looking forward to a rewarding school year for all!

(I didn't take the photos this year, so, well, frankly, they aren't good. But, hey, he tried.)

Seven

Our Ezra would have turned 7 today. I can hardly believe so much time has gone by. I really can't even imagine anymore what life would be like if he were here. Where we would be, how he would be. I think I'll always see him as the little 12-pound infant that we said goodbye to almost 6 years ago. Alas, that is musing for another day. Today is his birthday and we celebrate him! (If you want to read more of my Ezra ramblings, you can do that HERE.)

Peter had to work (and a 10-10 shift, at that), so the kids and I baked a cake and sang Happy Birthday. Alayna made him a card (so sweet) and Jeremiah made him an Origami Yoda. We looked at photos and said a prayer. It was a very low-key day.

Happy 7th Birthday, sweet Ezra. We miss you every day and hope you got to eat some cake with Jesus today. We love you!

We made a confetti cake this year.

It's the best I could do....

I'm not good at cake decorating. Like, at all.

Singing (and very solemn)

Sweet card from big sister 

Origami Yoda

July Round-up

Camp, visits with grandparents, a visit from Uncle Eric, anniversary, and a hodge podge of staycation activities. With less than 3 weeks until school starts, we really lived it up in July. Here are the leftover photos from the month.

Snape, doing what he does 

Supermoon

Beach day with a buddy

4th 

Playtime

Park with friends

More beach

Lots of driving

Mom-Son date

Sunset

Uncle Eric visits